Greased lightning at Danvers High

The stage at Danvers High will be transformed to 1959 — a vision of leather jackets, slicked back hair, poodle skirts and roadsters when the Academy Theatre Society presents “Grease” this weekend.

Sam Trapani/Wicked Local Danvers

The stage at Danvers High will be transformed to 1959 — a vision of leather jackets, slicked back hair, poodle skirts and roadsters when the Academy Theatre Society presents “Grease” this weekend.

A cast of 60 and a crew of more than 25 students have worked for months to bring to life the classic story of greaser Danny Zuko and innocent Australian Sandy Olsson, who fall in love. The spirited musical is filled with songs that the audience will want to sing along to as they root for the couple to find their way among the T-Birds and Pink Ladies in the halls of Rydell High.

“We began rehearsing in late March, just after our Drama Festival play finished up. Most of the kids involved with ‘Grease’ were also in the cast or crew of the festival entry; they have been doing theater non-stop since after December break,” said Kyla Moulton, director of the production. “This definitely is our biggest production ever with over 90 students participating.”

‘“Grease’ gives many students the opportunity to be featured. I love that,” Moulton added, “Many musicals are star vehicles for only one or two students. In this show, there are a dozen lead roles and many small but memorable ones.”

First time actor, Chris Demirdogen, a senior who plays Danny Zuko, surprised his classmates as well as his family, who didn’t even know he could sing, by landing one of those lead roles.

“My friend Laila convinced me to try out for the role,” Demirdogen said. “So I kind of did it on a whim. It has been wicked fun and I’m kind of mad now that I didn’t begin doing plays before this one!”

Sophomore, Francesca Napolitano, landed the role of sweet, naive Sandy. ‘“Grease’ has been an awesome experience this year. The people involved in ACTS are like my family, so I've had a great time putting this show together with some of my best friends,” Napolitano said. “Everyone has been so supportive and helpful on this journey, especially Kyla and Mr. Grover. I can't wait to share all of the hard work the cast and crew have put into this show!”

Junior Alex Skarmeas, who plays the role of Rizzo, the tough leader of the Pink Ladies, agrees that putting together “Grease” has been a memorable experience. “Everyone in the cast and crew is so talented and we have all had the chance to learn and grow from each other over the past few months. I couldn't have asked for a better experience putting this show together and I have the talented Kyla Fallon and Mr. Grover to thank for that. No one wants to miss out on seeing this musical,” Skarmeas said.

The dynamic set created by the crew is complete with a bandstand and a 1950s style car that comes out on stage. “I think that the highlights of our production are the large group dance numbers and the set. Emily Scottgale, the student set designer, came up with an impressive design for the show. Led by tech director Scott Vandewalle, the dedicated stage crew brought the design, which features a real car, to life,” Moulton said.

Bringing that iconic time in American history to life was challenging but also awesome, according to Moulton and credits costume designer Annabelle Krupcheck, with creating that 1950s style.

“Each year we've done one or two shows that take place in another era. Kids in this group have done shows set in Ancient Greece, Renaissance Italy, Nazi Germany, New York City in the ’80s, London in the ’60s, and present day Boston. Of all the time periods we've studied, I do have to say that the ’50s are probably the most fun,” Moulton said. “The costumes and set are bright and colorful and all the songs are upbeat. It's definitely been a fun show to put together.”

Senio, Emily Murphy, who plays Marty, was thrilled to be a part of a musical that she knew well and loved. “When I found out we were doing ‘Grease’ this year, I was so excited because growing up I would watch it and pretend to be the characters. Now, getting an opportunity to be in a production where the characters are like a family, it has brought all of the students in ACTS closer.”

The DHS’s Academy Theatre version of the musical remains in spirit close to the original, but audiences will also notice a few changes. “The biggest challenge of putting on “Grease” is finding the balance between making it our own and keeping true to the movie that everyone knows and loves. The stage script is slightly different from the movie- there are more songs and some of the scenes have been altered.”

Getting into the act

If you ask students what it has been like to be a part of “Grease,” one constant theme that runs through the cast and crew is that they are proud to be a part of the Danvers High Academy Theatre group. The energy a few days before opening night was palpable at the dress rehearsal as groups of kids broke out into song as the band warmed up. The stage crew, donning their “Grease” DHS 13 emblazoned shirts, joked around with the actors while kids were trying on their colorful costumes – creating a scene of organized chaos – the total theater experience.

Senio, Elyse Corbett, backstage manager for the production, has loved being a part of that theater experience. “I feel that ‘Grease’ has been one of the most fun productions I've been a part of. As a whole, being a part of ACTS has changed my high school experience. It has helped me gain a second family, and I will miss everyone dearly next year,” Corbett said. “I feel that joining ACTS was one of the best choices I have made in high school, and I will always remember the times I've had while in it.”

Lauren Burke, also a senior and ACTS president, who plays Patty Simcox in the production, echoes Corbett’s sentiments. ‘“Grease’ is my favorite show that I've done with ACTS. The costumes, set and characters are so fun. We all have a great time putting on shows, being a part of ACTS is like having a second family.”

Mark Cockfield, a junior who plays the role of Thunderbird Sonny, knows that being a part of the theater program at Danvers High has been special. “Being a part of ACTS has greatly shaped my entire high school experience. I have been exposed to so many different people and the direction I get under Kyla is fantastic. ‘Grease’ has been able to emphasize all the fun that I’ve had in my 8 ACTS productions.”

Moulton said that audiences should get ready for a brilliant night of theatre. “Expect to have a great time at this show. The quirky characters, fun music, and vibrant setting make for an enjoyable theater experience,” Moulton said.

To know if you go

A cast and crew of over 75 Danvers High School students are gearing up for the school’s Academy Theatre Society presentation of the award winning musical “Grease” on Thursday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the Danvers High School Auditorium.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. To order tickets visit www.ticketstage.com. For more information, visit danversacademytheatre.org.